Supporting Illinois Children and Families

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of potential abuse and neglect and, when needed, providing family-centered care and connection to resources.

Are you concerned about a child or family in need, or do you suspect child abuse or neglect?
Make a report online or by phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ChildAbuse.Illinois.gov

1-800-25ABUSE (252-2873)

Advisory Councils

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Child Welfare Insights Tool, Reports and Statistics

VIEW INSIGHT TOOL

Daycare Licensing

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For Families

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Foster Care, Guardianship and Adoption

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Work for Illinois DCFS

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For Current & Potential Providers

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DCFS Guardian's Portal

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Governor JB Pritzker signed the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act into law on February 5, 2025. This law empowers DCFS to establish more flexible certification standards for relative caregivers and ensures payments will be equal to those received by licensed foster parents.

DCFS Features

Title

FY26 Budget Proposal Overview

Publish Date

Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Title

Office of the Inspector General Report to the Governor and General Assembly (Jan. 2025)

Publish Date

Monday, January 06, 2025
Title

Illinois DCFS and the SAFE Model video

Publish Date

Thursday, March 23, 2023
Title

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Family First Prevention Services Act Title IV-E Prevention Plan (10/26/21)

Publish Date

Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Title

Child Welfare Medicaid Managed Care Implementation Advisory Workgroup

Publish Date

Friday, June 10, 2022

VIEW MORE FEATURES

Newsroom

Illinois DCFS welcomes families to the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair and encourages visitors to create bright futures for children by becoming foster parents or working for DCFS

Press Release - Tuesday, August 19, 2025

DU QUOIN – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) tent at the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair will be bustling with activity this year as representatives from the agency will be on hand to welcome families and share information about the department.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Child Welfare Disclosure Act Giving Birth Parents a Stronger Voice in Child Welfare

Press Release - Thursday, August 14, 2025

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 2907 into law today, creating the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act. The bi-partisan bill strengthens the rights of birth parents by empowering birth parents at the time of their first contact with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), at which time a case is open.
DCFS awards college scholarships to current and former youth in care

Press Release - Thursday, July 31, 2025

CHICAGO — Today, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Heidi Mueller, legislators, DCFS staff, caregivers and students gathered to celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients at the department’s annual scholarship luncheon.